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Fredi BobicGerman footballer, sporting director of the club "Stuttgart"
Date of Birth: 30.10.1971
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Youth Career
- Professional Career
- "Magical Triangle" and National Team Debut
- Later Career and Retirement
- Hannover 96, Hertha BSC, and Rijeka
- Post-Playing Career
- Club Management
- Personal Life
- Honors
Early Life and Youth Career
Fredi Bobic was born in Maribor, Yugoslavia, on October 16, 1971, to a Slovenian father and a Croatian mother. The family emigrated to West Germany when Bobic was six years old. He began playing soccer at the youth level for Fußballclub Bad Cannstatt, VfB Stuttgart, and Stuttgarter Kickers, where he won the German youth championship.
Professional Career
Stuttgart and Bundesliga DebutIn 1990, Bobic joined his first senior club, Ditzingen. He quickly became known for his scoring prowess, leading the Baden-Württemberg Oberliga with 19 goals in his second season. This performance earned him a move to Stuttgarter Kickers in the 2. Bundesliga, and two years later, to his former youth club, VfB Stuttgart, in the Bundesliga.
Bobic made his Bundesliga debut in the opening game of the 1994-95 season against Hamburg. He entered the match as a substitute in the 73rd minute and scored the winning goal, securing a 2-1 victory for Stuttgart.
"Magical Triangle" and National Team Debut
Bobic spent five seasons at Stuttgart, forming a formidable attacking trio with Krassimir Balakov and Giovane Elber known as the "Magical Triangle." He made his debut for the German national team in 1994 and was a part of the squad that won the 1996 European Championship.
Later Career and Retirement
Borussia Dortmund and Bolton WanderersIn 1999, Bobic joined Borussia Dortmund, where he scored 17 goals in his first two seasons. However, he struggled to break into the team regularly and was loaned to Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League in 2002. He spent six months at Bolton, scoring four goals in 15 appearances.
Hannover 96, Hertha BSC, and Rijeka
Upon his return to Germany, Bobic signed for newly promoted Hannover 96. He regained his scoring touch, netting in almost every other game and earning a recall to the national team. He later played for Hertha BSC before spending half a year without a club. In January 2006, he joined Croatian club Rijeka, where he ended his playing career in the summer of the same year.
Post-Playing Career
Media and Ambassadorial RolesAfter retiring, Bobic became an ambassador for the "German Fire Brigade Association." He also worked as an analyst for DSF and Premiere, and starred in a music video for the band Ich+Ich.
Club Management
In 2009, Bobic was appointed managing director of PFC Chernomorets Burgas in Bulgaria, where he worked until 2014 alongside his former Stuttgart teammate, Krassimir Balakov.
Personal Life
Bobic is married and has two daughters. He is a fan of American football and basketball and enjoys visiting New York City.
Honors
Team1996 UEFA European Championship
1997 DFB-Pokal
2006 Croatian Cup
Individual
1996 Bundesliga Top Scorer (17 goals)
